Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Chicago (ORD) to Minneapolis (MSP) in December from $39
From $39
Chicago (ORD) to Tampa (TPA) in December from $44
From $44
Chicago (ORD) to Nashville (BNA) in December from $53
From $53
Chicago (ORD) to Houston (IAH) in December from $54
From $54
Chicago (ORD) to Washington, D.C. (BWI) in December from $62
From $62
Chicago (ORD) to Tampa (TPA) in December from $72
From $72
Flights from Other Cities
New York (JFK) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $25
From $25
Philadelphia (PHL) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $29
From $29
Fort Myers (RSW) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $49
From $49
Boston (BOS) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $52
From $52
Newark (EWR) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $54
From $54
Houston (IAH) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $54
From $54
✈️ Flight Guide: Chicago (ORD) → Atlanta (ATL)
Complete travel information for your December journey
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest winter departure hubs for travelers headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). In December, travelers should expect frequent nonstop service, increased passenger volume around holiday weeks, and a higher chance of weather-related delays. To find the best ORD to ATL flight deals, search flexible dates, use fare alerts, and target early-December midweek departures. For ground transport, the CTA Blue Line is a cost-effective option; reserve parking in advance if you plan to leave a car at the airport. Monitor airline notifications and the airport's winter operations page the day before travel to minimize disruptions.
Departing from Chicago (ORD) FAQs
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) typically offers multiple nonstop flights per day to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December, with airlines like Delta, United, and American operating frequent services. Frequency increases on weekdays and during early December business travel windows, while seat availability tightens around the holiday travel peak (mid- to late-December). Check airline schedules and book early to lock in nonstop ORD to ATL flights at the best fares.
December at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) can bring snow, freezing rain, and low temperatures that occasionally cause delays or cancellations. To prepare, allow extra connection time (at least 90–120 minutes for tight itineraries), sign up for airline alerts, and consider travel insurance for winter disruptions. Pack essentials in your carry-on and monitor FAA and airline advisories the day before and day of travel.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 'Blue Line' provides a reliable, affordable, and often faster transit option to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) from downtown Chicago, especially during December when road traffic can be heavier. Taxis, ride-shares, and airport shuttles are available but may face winter road delays; allow extra travel time during snow or holiday rushes. For convenience, consider pre-booking an airport transfer or checking real-time traffic apps before you leave.
Parking at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) fills quickly in December, particularly during the weeks of major holidays; value lots and economy parking may sell out on peak travel days. Reserve parking ahead when possible, use the airport's official app for real-time availability, and consider off-site parking with shuttle service to reduce stress. Early booking and arriving 2–3 hours before departure for domestic flights will help avoid last-minute parking hassles.
Fares for Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) often spike in mid- to late-December around Christmas and New Year's. The cheapest travel windows are usually early December and midweek departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) outside the holiday week. Use fare alerts, book 3–8 weeks in advance for best prices, and be flexible with dates and times to find the lowest ORD to ATL flight deals.
Arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December is typically smooth thanks to ATL's high capacity and MARTA rail connections. Expect robust ground transport options and seasonal airport amenities; however, peak holiday travel days can lengthen wait times for baggage and ride-share pickups. If you plan to attend Atlanta holiday attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden's holiday display or Stone Mountain Christmas, book accommodations early and use MARTA or pre-arranged shuttles to avoid traffic. For the best arrival experience, check airline messages and MARTA schedules before leaving Chicago.
Arriving at Atlanta (ATL) FAQs
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offers MARTA rail service, on-airport rental car facilities, taxis, ride-shares, and hotel shuttles year-round; these options remain reliable in December. MARTA provides a direct and often faster link to downtown Atlanta, while taxis and ride-shares may experience longer pickup times during holiday events or inclement weather. If you arrive around busy holiday times, allow extra transfer time and check airport pickup point guidelines for ride-share app coordination.
December in Atlanta tends to be mild-to-cool with average daytime highs around the mid-50s°F (12–14°C) and occasional chilly nights; rare cold snaps or light freezes can occur. Pack layers, a light-to-medium jacket, and comfortable walking shoes—umbrellas are recommended if rain is forecast. Because December includes holiday events and outdoor light displays, comfortable layers and a compact umbrella will keep you prepared for variable weather after arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Baggage claim and arrival processing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) generally take 15–45 minutes for domestic flights, depending on flight delays and holiday passenger volumes in December. During peak holiday periods, waits can be longer due to increased passenger flow and fuller flights—consider packing essentials in a carry-on for quicker departures. For connecting passengers, ATL's layout is optimized for short connections, but allow ample time when traveling during December holiday spikes.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) often features seasonal decorations, limited pop-up holiday shops, and occasional live music or charity drives in December to welcome travelers. Special services such as extended customer service, gift-wrapping pop-ups, or additional shuttle runs may appear on peak travel dates. Check the ATL official events and airport amenities pages before travel to see current holiday offerings and plan pickups accordingly.
Popular neighborhoods to stay after arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) include downtown Atlanta for proximity to the Georgia Aquarium and holiday events, Midtown for restaurants and cultural attractions, Buckhead for upscale shopping and hotels, and College Park near the airport for convenience. If attending specific December events, book well in advance as hotels near event locations and downtown can sell out during holiday weekends. Use MARTA access or hotel shuttles to minimize transfer times from ATL.
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December Events & Festivals — Chicago and Atlanta for ORD to ATL Travelers
December travel on the ORD to ATL route pairs Chicago's famous holiday attractions with Atlanta's seasonal celebrations. Chicago offers Christkindlmarket, Lincoln Park and ZooLights, and festive shopping along the Magnificent Mile; these events increase airport and roadway traffic around Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). In Atlanta, visitors can enjoy the Atlanta Botanical Garden's "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights," Stone Mountain Christmas, and holiday markets in Atlantic Station and downtown, all reachable from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Expect higher demand for hotels and transportation during major holiday weekends—book early.
Best Time to Fly ORD to ATL — December Recommendations
The best time to fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December is early in the month and midweek (Tuesdays–Wednesdays) when fares and crowds are lower. Avoid the heavy travel window from about December 20–28 and the New Year's Eve surge. For fewer delays, choose early-morning departures on non-holiday weekdays; though Chicago winter weather can still cause disruptions, earlier flights often escape cascading evening cancellations.
Direct vs Connecting — ORD to ATL Flights in December
On the ORD to ATL route, nonstop flights are generally preferred in December for shorter travel times (approximately 2 hours) and reduced chance of missed connections. Because Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major Delta hub, nonstop options are plentiful and often competitively priced. Connecting itineraries might save money but add risk during Chicago winter weather; if cost savings are significant, choose a longer connection with buffer time to protect against delays. For holiday travelers, nonstop flights typically reduce stress and the likelihood of itinerary disruption.
Airline Comparison for ORD to ATL — December Options (Delta, United, American, Spirit)
Delta Air Lines typically offers the most nonstop frequencies between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December due to ATL being a primary hub. United and American operate several daily flights that may include connections, while Spirit and other low-cost carriers occasionally offer lower-fare options with additional fees. When selecting an airline, factor in baggage fees, loyalty status, schedule convenience, and on-time reliability—especially important in December's winter conditions.
Seasonal Travel Tips for ORD to ATL in December — Weather, Packing, & Airport Advice
Travelers flying between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December should pack in layers, allow extra time for winter commutes to ORD, and enroll in airline alerts for the latest status updates. Bring a portable charger, essential medication in carry-on luggage, and photocopies of travel documents during busy holiday travel. Consider travel insurance for major holiday itineraries and check-in online to reduce time at counters. For ground transfers at ATL, verify MARTA schedules on holidays and have backup ride-share plans if arriving late at night.
Flight Time & Schedules — Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Atlanta ATL (December)
Typical nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes airborne, with block times commonly scheduled around 2 hours. Morning and early evening are peak windows for business and holiday travel, so expect heavier loads and fuller flights during 6–9 AM departures and 4–7 PM returns. Red-eye or late-night options can provide lower fares and fewer delays but check connection needs and layover times.
How to Find Cheap ORD to ATL Flights in December — Deals & Strategies
To secure cheap flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December, start with flexible-date searches and fare calendars. Early December and midweek departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) often yield the lowest prices, while fares spike the week before Christmas and around New Year's. Use price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, check airline flash sales, and consider nearby airports only if savings justify added ground travel. For the best value, compare nonstop Delta flights against connecting or budget-carrier options and factor in baggage fees when evaluating total cost.
Tips
- Set fare alerts 6–8 weeks before travel and monitor prices frequently.
- Search +/- 3 days from your preferred dates to find midweek savings.
- Compare nonstop vs one-stop itineraries; sometimes a short connection saves money.
- Use airline miles or credit card points to reduce December out-of-pocket cost.
- Book sooner for travel during Dec 20–28 and Dec 30–Jan 2 as fares rise quickly.